Cleaner Car, Fatter Wallet

Cars are a depreciating asset, and keeping them tidy not only keeps them looking nice, it helps to keep corrosion and rust at bay, which preserves your finish and body for miles to come—and it can even help you save at the pump! Here are my five favorite tips to help you get the best and most effective car wash this summer, and save a little green while you do it.

1. Go for the Automatic! A modern “brushless” automatic car wash is the safest, most well-balanced, and economical car wash available today. The high-pressure wands at do-it-yourself car wash outlets may cost less to turn on, but they can damage your car’s finish if you hold the wand too close, and may not get it clean if you hold it too far away. The automatic wash is ultimately gentler to the car’s finish than any hand wash, and uses pre-measured amounts of soap, consistent washing methods, and predetermined timing to eliminate damage caused by human error.

2. If You’re Pressure Washing, Be Aware of the Risks: Let’s face it: sometimes you procrastinate and an automatic wash just isn’t going to remove the layer of grime your car has. If you do need to attack the dirt with a pressure wand, be aware of the risk of damage to your vehicle. As mentioned above, don’t get the spray too close to your car, as it can damage the finish. Similarly, don’t get too close to your tires, because it will actually weaken them as well. You should allow around 20 inches between the nozzle and your car surface at all times. In fact, a pressure wand is so powerful that it should never be pointed at a person, because it can and will remove skin!

3. Use the Right Tools for the Job at Home: While an automatic wash is a great modern convenience, sometimes pulling the family car into the yard for a good scrubbing is a fun and economical family afternoon activity. Just put the hose away and pull out the bucket, because running all that water isn’t going to get the car any cleaner, and it’s expensive too. Don’t use household cleaners, which can weaken your finish—use only cleaners meant for cars. If you want to go extra “green” with your car wash try a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water rather than soap on the exterior and glass surfaces. (Just note that vinegar has a tendency to break down wax, so you’ll want to add a fresh coat afterward.) Park in the shade to preserve the clear coat, and if you use sponges, wipe in straight lines, not in circles which can cause small scratches to appear. And finally, take care of the environment: if you’re using cleaning products, make sure that the runoff from your car wash doesn’t go into a storm drain or sewer, because the chemicals, oil, grease, and gasoline can pollute our water systems if allowed to drain unchecked. You can ensure your runoff stays clear of the storm sewer by washing in a level yard, not in a driveway.

Always replace headlights in pairs to ensure even brightness.

4. Clean it Out! Give the car a good, thorough cleaning inside and out. Less clutter in the passenger area and trunk means more space for family members and the things you need to tote around and less weight on the wheels, which can actually save you gas.

5. Shed Some Light on the Situation: While we’re at the task of washing your car, when was the last time you checked your headlights? If they seem to be foggy or yellowing, an inexpensive headlight restoration kit may be in order. And while we’re on the subject, headlights dim over time, so turn those headlights on and check them out. If one or both appear dim, it may be time to replace them. Always replace headlights in pairs to ensure even brightness! Penny pinching to replace just one may seem like a great idea, but you’ll be back to buy that second one soon enough.

Rust and corrosion is like a cancer that eats away at vehicles once it takes hold, taking over not only your body, but even the frame and essential support structures under the body. Keeping your finish gleaming and bright will preserve your ride for years to come, and paying attention to small details like the trunk contents and headlights will help you stay on the road longer, and more safely.